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The Portuguese international is one of a number of high profile stars that could leave Molineux this summer
Portuguese heavyweights Benfica are understood to be edging closer to a reunion with Wolves stalwart Nelson Semedo but one key factor could stand in the capital side's way.
Semedo joined Wolves for a huge fee of £37m in 2020 and has been a stalwart in the Molineux backline for over a decade in the top-flight but has been allowed to run his contract down and shows no signs of signing an extension at this stage.
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The 40-time Portuguese international is a vital part of the dressing room and as club captain holds a key role in ensuring the club’s top-flight status heading into the final furlong of the Premier League season.
Benfica plot reunion with Nelson Semedo despite complication
Reports from Portuguese outlet A Bola say that Benfica are extremely interested in bringing Nelson Semedo back to the Estádio da Luz in a move which would represent a huge statement of intent for the title-chasing side.
Semedo grew up in Lisbon but actually started his career just outside the capital with Sintrense in the lower leagues before being recruited by Benfica at the age of 17. The 31-year-old lifted two league titles and three cups during his time with Benfica and racked up over 65 appearances in two seasons across all competitions, scoring three times and providing 12 assists.
His strong performances quickly earned him a move to Barcelona where he formed part of the backline which lifted two league titles and two Spanish Cups while also reaching the Champions League semi-final and two quarter-finals.
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The Portuguese international’s £37m move to Wolves made him one of the biggest signings in the club’s history and he has proven himself to be a consistent performer in the right-back position due to his excellent leadership, defensive qualities and desire to go forward.
He spent a large period of his time in the West Midlands being coached by Bruno Lage, who is now said to be desperate to reunite with the defender in Lisbon.
A Bola claims Benfica have made Semedo a priority summer target but understands the defender would have to take a fairly significant wage cut to allow the move to happen due to the club’s financial structure. That’s understood to be a problem as he could look to continue his career somewhere more lucrative, such as Saudi Arabia, where clubs can provide him with a ‘golden end’ to his career financially.
Wolves fan fume at potential Nelson Semedo exit
Nelson Semedo could follow in the footsteps of other high profile names such as Ruben Neves, Raul Jimenez and Max Kilman that have all left Wolves for pastures new in recent years. Fans on X have expressed their frustration at how things have been carried out at boardroom level particularly if they are to lose one of their prized assets for free.
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One fan posted on X: “Infuriating to lose Nelson for free. 173 appearances to date for us, more than at any previous club surprisingly. Great servant and do wish him well, he’ll be a big loss.” Another added: “If we let him go this club is a circus,” while a third said: “This is absolutely criminal.”
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